A FREE music festival is a step nearer a more secure future.

Derwentside District Council's leisure officers have been given approval to hold talks with Northern Recording, the organisers of Stanley Blues Festival, in the County Durham town.

The event nearly did not take place in August after the council withdrew funding.

It had ended its festivals budget as part of efforts to save £1m and keep the council tax rise down to 2.5 per cent.

But councillors reinstated the funding after protests were received from residents and music fans.

The authority's ruling executive has now voted to stop underwriting the festival on an annual basis, but will look to secure its long term future with a one-off payment.

The Consett-based music co-operative Northern Recording is expected to receive about £85,000.

The final figure will depend on discussions between the council and the group.

The festival has been running over the August Bank Holiday weekend for 11 years, and last year attracted more than 12,000 people. It brings about £500,000 a year into the local economy.

The council has also agreed to keep funding the Big Bang in Blackhill and Consett Park.

The inaugural event took place this year to replace Allensford Festival.